Master of Education: Special Education

Program details

Total credit hours: 37
Program length: Part time (summer and evening classes)
Program start date: Ongoing
Time to finish: About 2 yearsThis program is offered on campus only.
View the current program of study in the course catalogProgram director: Alicia Roberts Frank (contact directly with advising questions)

Lewis & Clark’s Special Education master’s program was designed by a collaborative team of public school special educators and college faculty to provide a highly practical, skill-based program based on current research for educators interested in serving students with special needs. Faculty members are current or former special educators who have extensive backgrounds in current theories, research, and practice.

The Master of Education Program is a flexible program for practicing educators who want to combine the specialized knowledge provided by the Special Education Endorsement with the rigor of master’s-level degree studies to advance their careers. The program is 37 semester hours of study. You will earn the Special Education Endorsement and design the remainder of your program (19 semester hours) collaboratively with an advisor to suit your strengths and interests. Students may incorporate coursework in reading, math, ESOL, and other areas into their degree.

In the Special Education Master of Education Program, you will work with leaders in the field to:

Observe, analyze and document the educational impact of disabilities

Determine the applicability of scientifically based research to a variety of educational environments

Analyze and use current assessment strategies

Learn about instructional practices with demonstrated effectiveness in improving academic achievement and socially acceptable behavior of students with special needs.

Throughout the program, your knowledge and skills will be applied in school-based special education settings with students receiving special-education services. If applicable, endorsement candidates may use their current special education teaching assignment site as a practicum setting.

*Teachers holding a Basic or Standard teaching license can earn their Basic and Standard Exceptional Learner I endorsements, as well as the Standard Teaching License, by completing the coursework required for the Master’s Program.

What to Expect

Special education practice is a nuanced relationship between the requirements of legal mandates and educational best practices. The master’s degree in Special Education consists of 37 semester hours of opportunities to learn each aspect of the special education process from referral to reevaluation through case studies and relevant practica. Faculty approach courses and practica as opportunities to examine and solve the everyday questions, concerns, and problems of educating students with disabilities in K-12 schools across all levels of disability (mild, moderate, severe). Each course emphasizes research-based, interactive problem solving that is effective, efficient, practical, up-to-date, and skill-based. Our goal is that our graduates will meet the Standards for Special Educators recommended by the Council for Exceptional Children and adopted by the Oregon Department of Education.

Why Study at LC?

The special education program is flexible, respecting the busy schedules of practicing educators, and providing an individualized course of study that accepts credit for a candidate’s previous special education coursework and/or special education experience. Small classes emphasize problem solving and collegial discussions.

About the Endorsement

Find out more about which Special Education endorsement is right for you, based on which teaching license you possess, using a special About the Endorsements page we have prepared for you.

Expectations for Admission

The program is designed for educators who want to advance their teaching career by earning a specialized master’s degree in special education. Applicants must hold a current, regular teaching license in Oregon. Candidates must apply and be admitted to the Graduate School of Education & Counseling.

Apply Now

For more information, or to make an appointment with a faculty advisor, contact Alicia Roberts Frank, program director, at 503-768-6128 or aliciarobertsfrank@lclark.edu. You can also contact the office of Teacher Education at 503-768-6100 or lcteach@lclark.edu.

Talk to the Program Director

For more information or to speak with the Special Education program director, please contact Alicia Roberts Frank.

Wish to continue your Inservice studies?

Students currently enrolled in an Inservice degree or endorsement program who would like to continue their Inservice studies in another endorsement program may be eligible for an abbreviated application process. Please complete the form below.